The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has already witnessed some breathtaking performances, and the sixth match of the tournament, played at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, added another chapter to its rich history. The contest between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) was expected to be an exciting clash, but it turned into a one-man show as Quinton de Kock played a masterful innings, guiding KKR to a dominant victory.
The South African wicketkeeper-batsman stole the limelight with an unbeaten 97 off 61 balls, smashing 8 fours and 6 sixes to anchor KKR’s successful chase. His performance was not only a match-winning effort but also a historic one, as he registered the highest individual score by a KKR player in a run-chase. This record-breaking feat put him ahead of some of the most celebrated names in KKR’s history, including Manish Pandey, Chris Lynn, and Gautam Gambhir.
Let’s take a closer look at de Kock’s sensational knock, its impact on the match, and how it compares to some of the other greatest individual performances for KKR in successful run-chases.
KKR vs RR: A Battle at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium
Kolkata Knight Riders came into the match looking to secure their first win of IPL 2025 after a disappointing start to the season. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, had momentum on their side but were aware of KKR’s potential to bounce back strongly.
Batting first, Rajasthan Royals posted a challenging total, thanks to a collective effort from their batting lineup. The likes of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson provided the early impetus, while Riyan Parag and Shimron Hetmyer played impactful knocks in the middle order. Rajasthan finished with a competitive score, setting up an intriguing chase for KKR.
With the target set, KKR’s chase did not start as planned. Moeen Ali was dismissed early, putting pressure on the batting unit. However, Quinton de Kock walked in and immediately took control of the innings. The experienced left-hander played with remarkable composure, ensuring that KKR stayed on track despite the early setback.
Quinton de Kock’s Match-Winning Knock
From the moment he took the crease, de Kock exhibited confidence and control, understanding the conditions and timing his shots perfectly. His knock was a masterclass in pacing an innings—starting cautiously, stabilizing after an early wicket, and then accelerating at the right moment.
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He built a steady partnership with Ajinkya Rahane, ensuring that KKR did not lose momentum.
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His ability to rotate the strike while also finding boundaries at regular intervals kept the required run rate under control.
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As the match progressed, de Kock switched gears, displaying his trademark aggressive stroke play, particularly against the spinners and pacers in the latter overs.
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His unbeaten 97 ensured that KKR chased down the target with comfort and authority.
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He sealed the match in style, smashing a massive six to bring up the victory and etch his name in the record books.
This innings was significant not just in the context of the match but in the history of KKR’s best run-chases.
Highest Individual Scores by KKR Players in Run-Chases
Quinton de Kock’s knock of *97 surpassed some of the greatest individual performances in KKR’s history when chasing a target. Let’s look at some of the legendary innings that he overtook:
1) Quinton de Kock – 97 (KKR vs RR, IPL 2025)*
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Balls faced: 61
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Fours: 8
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Sixes: 6
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Match situation: Early wicket loss, but stabilized and led the chase.
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Significance: Highest individual score in KKR’s history during a run-chase.
2) Manish Pandey – 94 (KKR vs PBKS, IPL 2014 Final)
Manish Pandey’s legendary 94 off 50 balls in the IPL 2014 final remains one of the greatest knocks in KKR’s history. Under immense pressure, Pandey played with confidence and aggression to help KKR chase down Punjab Kings’ challenging total and lift their first IPL trophy. His ability to absorb pressure and find gaps at crucial moments made him the star of that night.
3) Chris Lynn – 93 (KKR vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2017)*
Chris Lynn, known for his explosive batting, played one of his finest IPL knocks when he smashed an unbeaten 93 off 41 balls against Gujarat Lions in IPL 2017. His innings was characterized by relentless hitting, as he dominated the powerplay and continued his assault throughout the chase. Lynn’s fearless approach helped KKR cruise to victory with ease.
4) Manvinder Bisla – 92 (KKR vs CSK, IPL 2012 Final)
A heroic innings in an IPL final, Manvinder Bisla’s 92 off 48 balls against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2012 remains one of the most clutch performances in KKR’s history. Chasing a steep total in the final, Bisla’s fearless batting stunned CSK and played a pivotal role in securing KKR’s first-ever IPL title.
5) Gautam Gambhir – 90 (KKR vs SRH, IPL 2016)*
As one of KKR’s most influential captains, Gautam Gambhir led from the front in IPL 2016, scoring a match-winning 90 not out against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His innings was a blend of aggression and smart cricket, guiding KKR to a successful chase and proving why he was such a dependable leader.
What Makes Quinton de Kock’s Innings Special?
While all the previous entries in the list were incredible, Quinton de Kock’s 97 stands out for several reasons*:
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It is the highest-ever score in a KKR run-chase, surpassing all previous records.
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He remained unbeaten, showing composure till the very end.
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His strike rate was consistently aggressive, allowing KKR to control the chase without panic.
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He finished the match with a six, adding an emphatic touch to an already legendary performance.
 A Knock to Remember
Quinton de Kock’s knock of 97 not out against Rajasthan Royals will be remembered as one of KKR’s greatest individual performances in a run-chase. His ability to handle pressure, maintain consistency, and accelerate at the right time made this innings a masterpiece.
With this performance, KKR not only registered their first win of IPL 2025 but also sent a strong message to other teams. If de Kock continues to fire in this fashion, KKR will be a force to reckon with in the tournament.
As IPL 2025 progresses, fans will be eager to see if this knock remains the best of the season or if de Kock has even bigger innings up his sleeve. One thing is for sure—his name is now etched in KKR’s history books.
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